Weekend Buzz – Events for January 5-6, 2019

The Petersen Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year…starting with a two-day tribute to one of the biggest names in the automotive universe.

As we transition from the hectic holiday season back into more normal rhythms of daily life, the number and pace of local weekend events are adjusting as well.

First up, for those who are doing a little new year closet cleaning, or who’d like to start out the new year with an act of service, Big Sunday is having a big clothing drive on Saturday, from 9-11 a.m. Just drop off new or gently used clothing items at the Big Sunday headquarters at 6111 Melrose Ave. , and they’ll be distributed to the homeless, schools serving families below the poverty line, seniors, veterans, group homes, and many, many more, as part of the upcoming annual MLK Clothing Collection and Community Breakfast. Please note that new socks and new underwear for men and women are also greatly needed!

Next, and right next door, at 6121 Melrose Ave., is the monthly Friends of John C. Fremont Library book sale, from 12-4 today (Friday) and 12-5 p.m. on Saturday. As always, most books are priced between $.10 and $1.00, with lots of bargains and special sales on cookbooks, biographies, history, politics, classics, plays (50% discount), and some media. All proceeds are used to support the many free programs at the library.

Also starting at a nice leisurely noon on Saturday is the second day of the Vivian Maier: “Living Color” show at the KP Projects Gallery (other dates include Friday, January 4, and Tuesday, January 8), 633 N. La Brea. The show features new chromogenic color prints, black and white gelatin silver prints, and a rare selection of Lifetime prints from the Maloof collection of Chicago street photographer Maier’s work. It’s also the first exhibition at the gallery’s new location (note the address above). Maier, “an unsuspecting nanny with a sharp wit and observant eye,” was virtually unknown during her lifetime, but is now considered “one of the most important photographers of the 20th Century.” According to the gallery, the exhibition coincides with the first monograph of Maier’s color photographs, “The Color Work,” which was recently released by Harper Collins. For More Information, contact info@kpprojects.net

And a third event starting at noon on Saturday, running through the afternoon and evening, is the annual Open House event at the legendary comedy venue Second City Hollywood, 6560 Hollywood Blvd. As usual, this is a huge offering, in which the organization gives back to the community with a long slate of free workshops and shows. (Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.) There are classes and shows for actors, writers, singers, stand-ups, and improvisers (of all ages!)…so whether you’re just starting out, are already working in the field, or just want to try something new, check it out. Workshops include Adult Improv, Musical Improv, Writing for TV/Film, Writing Comedy, Stand-Up, Kid Improv, Kid & Teen Improv, Adult Improv, Long Form Improv, and Improv Drop-In. Free shows include Really Awesome Improv (family friendly), The Sound of Musical, Detention Hall, Teen Troupe, Triumph + Bingo, Puppets Amok, Ithamar Enriques Variety Special, Red Tape, Supportive White Parents and Tattoo Party. There will also be a talk about Second City’s Directing Program, a Headshot Truck…and more. See the event link above for times, descriptions, reservations and all other info.

Just an hour later on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m., for those who’d rather watch than be on stage, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and American Cinematheque will present a free roundtable discussion with the directors of the five films nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in this year’s Golden Globes Awards. The discussion, at the Egyptian Theater, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. starts at 1 p.m., and will include Alfonso Cuarón (ROMA), Lukas Dhont (GIRL), Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (NEVER LOOK AWAY), Hirokazu Kore-eda (SHOPLIFTERS) and Nadine Labaki (CAPERNAUM), along with moderater Mike Goodridge, a former HFPA member and Vice President, now a festival director and programmer, and head of the International Film Festival in Macao, China. A reception for all attendees will follow the symposium in the theater lobby. Reservations are recommended, but the organizers warn that RSVPs do not guarantee admission (seating is first come, first served), so arrive early.

And finally, on Sunday morning from 8-11 a.m., comes the second of the two Shelby events at the Petersen – a special Shelby Cruise-In, on the third floor of the museum’s parking structure. Enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their vehicles and participate in the car show and contest…and visitors will get to enjoy “some of the fastest, rarest and most beloved Shelbys of all time.” It’s said to be one of the largest Shelby events in the country. Coffee and snacks will be free to all attendees, and members receive early access to the museum starting at 9 a.m. Both Shelby events are part of the Museum’s ongoing 25th anniversary celebration this year.

Elizabeth Fuller was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN but has lived in LA since 1991 - first in the Sycamore Square neighborhood, and since 2012 in West Adams Heights/Sugar Hill. She was long-time board member of the Sycamore Square Neighborhood Association, currently serves on the board of the West Adams Heights/Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association, spent 10 years with the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, volunteers at Wilshire Crest Elementary School, and is the co-owner/publisher of the Buzz.

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